Options to revegetate neutralized heap leach material

Revegetation of neutralized heap leach material in the arid environment of the Great Basin represents a challenge of available technology. The chemical and physical condition of neutralized heap material, in many cases, is inhospitable for germination and establishment of desirable long term vegetation. Common soil amendments were tested in a unique manner to determine if neutralized heap material could be made more conducive to plant growth without surface application of growth medium. Neutralized heap material profile samples were collected and reconstructed in laboratory columns. Select column charges were subjected to three leaching regimes, and others to representative meteoric conditions. The tests provided positive results for ameliorating the heap material limitations and providing a medium conducive to plant growth. The bench scale study also provided insight for the future of heap leach planning and design with successful reclamation in mind at the forefront.